Ellie Kildunne Honoured for Contributions to Women’s Rugby

Yorkshire-born rugby player reflects on her journey to international success

Ellie Kildunne, a prominent figure in women’s rugby, has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Leeds in recognition of her contributions to the sport. The Yorkshire-born athlete recently took part in a question and answer session at Leeds University Union, where she discussed her progression from local rugby to representing England on the world stage.

Early Career and Achievements

Kildunne made her debut for the England women’s rugby team, known as the Red Roses, at the age of 18. Since then, she has played a significant role in the team’s international success. Her career highlights include:

• Winning the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup
• Being named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year
• Representing Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Reflections on Her Rugby Journey

During the conversation, Kildunne spoke about the challenges she faced growing up playing rugby, often as the only girl on a boys’ team. She described how this experience helped develop her resilience, strength and patience as a player. Despite encountering gender-related differences, she said it never deterred her from pursuing the sport.

She emphasised the importance of grassroots rugby, crediting it as foundational to the skills and values of the Red Roses team. On the team’s success, Kildunne described the squad as “like a family” and highlighted the strong bond among players.

Views on Pressure and Motivation

Kildunne expressed that she views pressure as a privilege rather than a burden, acknowledging the opportunity to make a difference through rugby. Her motivation extends beyond the sport itself, focusing on inspiring others and contributing positively to women’s rugby.

Message to Aspiring Athletes

She encouraged young people interested in sport to pursue their ambitions regardless of stereotypes or barriers. Her advice was clear: “If you’ve got that fire in your belly, there shouldn’t be anything that stops you.”

Connection to Yorkshire

As a native of West Yorkshire, Kildunne spoke about the significance of returning home, describing the region as her “calm place” where her family and many memories reside. She hopes her achievements will help open doors for future generations of athletes from the area.

Recognition and Impact

The honorary degree awarded to Kildunne highlights the growing recognition of women’s rugby and its athletes. Her story exemplifies the progress made in the sport and the continuing efforts to increase visibility and support for women’s participation at all levels.